26. Robert

Chapter twenty-six

Robert

"Robert!"

Rebecca barges in, holding a series of graphs in her hand. I look up, frowning.

"Didn't I tell you to knock before entering?"

"Yeah, but I don't want to wait a second longer. It's important!"

She rushes to the desk and hands me the papers. I look down for a second to study them.

"These are financial graphs."

"Yeah, for that animal sanctuary you mentioned. The Burton Sanctuary."

I look down again. They are. The graph's going in a steady downtrend.

"How did you—"

"Don't question how I got this. I used some of those connections that you insist I only use in an emergency. Well, that and Lily also gave me a few things since, you know, her dad's position and all."

I look them over in-depth. When I get to the body, I look at Rebecca, who stands there nervously.

"This is correct, right?"

"Yeah. I cross-referenced them. I contacted Lily to make sure that she didn't give me bad graphs, but it's all legit."

"I see. So, they're really doing this badly, right?"

She nods. "Yes. The collectors have asked for months, according to Lily, but the lady can't pay. They're at the end of the line, and if she doesn't pay it all, they're going to lose this place. She'll be evicted"

"That's not happening," I spit out immediately. "I'm not letting this happen."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

I open the drawer where the white envelope sits. I wanted to give this to Sara directly, but I don't think that'll happen.

"I need to see someone important. Please, please cancel all of my meetings for the evening."

"Sir, that's, like, five people! What are you—"

I look at her and shake my head. She'll understand when she falls in love.

"This means a whole lot more than some boring meetings that won't mean anything in the long run. Tell them this is a personal emergency, and we'll talk first thing tomorrow."

"Right."

I grab my keys and wallet, heading toward the door. Rebecca follows, and we trot down the hall toward the elevator.

"Do you think whatever you're planning will work, Robert?"

"There's only one way to find out."

The doors open, and I step inside, smiling.

"Thank you again. You don't know how much you've helped me."

"No problem! But please do be careful."

As I head down, I think about what to do. I saw the monetary amount needed to keep the place going and eliminate the debts. It's a drop in the bucket for my company, but I know we won't be able to manage it in time through the usual internal process. So here I go.

When I get out, I sprint to my Tesla, typing in the directions and checking the gauge. I have enough to get to the sanctuary and back. I have to hurry.

The numbers indicate that tomorrow would be the last day, last and final. I have to get there before things get any worse. I drive like a maniac through the streets, zipping through cars and running a couple red lights.

A few people scream at me, but I don't care. I need to be there now to save this place.

When I pull up to the gravel at the sanctuary, I step out and see no other cars there. Inside, I look around and call out, "Hello?"

A cough echoes from the room in the back. I know it's not right of me to go into a dark, empty place like this unannounced, but sometimes you have to act rather than think. I approach the door and then open it.

May coughs, almost hacking up a lung. She looks over at me, smiling.

"Oh, it's you. That boy from before."

"Hi, there. Yes, it's Robert," I reply. "I'm not really a boy, though."

She walks over, stifling a couple of coughs along the way. "You're still young and spry. You're a boy to me, sonny."

"Appreciate it. Is Sara here?"

She shakes her head. "No. She's coming in later tonight. It'll be her last night here, but—"

"Here."

I hand her the envelope. She opens it, and sees the cashier's check. Her eyes widen as five more years of her life practically enter her body the moment her eyes take in the numbers.

"What is—"

"It's for the outstanding bills and for renovations to this place. I know that Sara loves it and you, and when I heard it's in trouble, I couldn't just sit and wait."

May doesn't say a word but instead stares.

"Robert, you don't have to do this. I know Sara loves this place, but—"

"She loves this place more than most people, May. You and I both know that."

She nods solemnly and looks near the doorway. The sun is bright in the sky above us and it seems to be bringing hope and joy, or that's what I take away.

"I know. I have let this place go. Sometimes things do come to an end."

"Don't," I reply. "Just don't. I don't want Sara to be more heartbroken than she is already."

She nods but doesn't say a word.

"What do you plan to gain from this, Robert? You haven't been around in who knows how long."

"There is nothing to gain from this," I reply. "I just want to see Sara happy. This place is a second home to her, and I know that if she loses this place, she'll lose those dreams. I don't want to see her lose that bit of spark.

And I want to do it for you too, May. You've spent your life caring for animals that can't help themselves. You are leading a very noble life that should not end in despair."

I look down, remembering how, even with my parents shoving down my throat to go into the same business world that they are in, I refused. I wanted to do real estate and make money putting together amazing places based on plots of land. I was able to live my own dream.

"You see yourself in her, don't you?" May asks.

"Yeah, I do. She loves animals, and she's shown me that I do too. She's opened my heart to that as well. I want her to follow her dreams, even if it means that she may stumble and fall along the way."

May smiles. "That's good to hear. Thank you again, Robert."

"Don't mention it. But don't tell her it's from me, all right? Just say you managed to secure the funds to keep the place."

"But what about Sara? What if I want to give this place to her?"

I pause, trying to figure out what to say. I know that I have to tell her everything eventually.

"Just tell her this place will be all right. I'll talk to her as well."

May nods, clutching the check.

"I better go and cash this check. I'll have the money first thing tomorrow and then I can pay the bills."

"Good. Do that."

May approaches the door, coughing once again. She grabs the doorframe to steady herself. I reach for her, but she extends her hand.

"Don't worry about me."

"You're hurting. Do you need a doctor?"

She shakes her head. "It's fine. This also gives me a chance to do what I've wanted to do for a long time." May looks forward, and a warm, radiant smile falls to her face. "I want to give this place to Sara so that she can continue my legacy. I want to send her to school so she can take care of the animals here without me."

"That's truly amazing," I remark.

"I've wanted this ever since I met her. The girl's got a wonderful heart. I just hope that spark of hope never disappears."

I nod, understanding this. "I don't think it will."

"I don't think so either."

We walk out together and I smile.

"I'm glad we could have this conversation, May."

"I am too. Thank you again. You've saved us."

"Don't mention it. Just consider it a goodwill gesture for a place that's helped someone I care about so much, not to mention the hundreds of animals. And shhhh is the word, right?"

May heads to her garage but I stand a while, looking at the sky.

I know that it won't fix everything but knowing that I can at least give Sara something to look forward to, something that will make her happy, is enough.

I sit in my car, feeling happy and light, and deep down, hoping that no matter what, I can make things right.

It's something I desire in the depth of my heart.